Monday, March 21, 2011

This morning I sat down at my desk for the first time in almost two weeks and immediately I was overwhelmed by the daily tasks of my job. Have you ever felt that way? It can be a paralyzing feeling. For me I get caught thinking that there is so little time and so much to do. I often don't know where to start. I had that feeling this morning. As I sat staring at my computer screen trying to figure out where to start my eyes wandered to a copy of the LeaderShape vision I have pinned to a bulletin board near my desk. I sat there for a moment and read…

VISION

A just, caring, and thriving world where all lead with integrity and a healthy disregard for the impossible.

As I read that the feeling of being overwhelmed slowly went away. I was grounded once again in the purpose of all of these daily tasks. Really for me it isn't about how many emails I need to return or how many glass pebbles need to be ordered. It is about working every day to create this world.

As you start your week, I encourage you to find your grounding. We each become grounded in different ways. It may be by looking at a quote, reading a poem or a scripture that brings meaning to you. I could be revisiting the vision you created a LeaderShape. It may even be picking up the phone and calling someone you are care about. Or simply spending a few moments in quiet meditation. However you find your center, I encourage you do it everyday….never forget why you are involved in the organizations you are a part of, why you do the work you do or spend your time in the way you do. Don’t forget why these things are important to you.

“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumblebee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.” Ashley Smith, Author

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Star in Our LeaderShape Video!

We’re making a video to celebrate 25 years of The LeaderShape Institute and would love for you to appear in it.Whether you’re a past participant, facilitator, On-Site Coordinator, Program Coordinator or Guest Leader—we want to hear from you.

Whether or not you can make it to our 25th Anniversary Gala on April 9th in Chicago, we would love to honor the breadth and diversity of the LeaderShape Community, that stretches from 1986 to today. Take 15 minutes out of your day to be a part of something special!

Take a photo of you holding a sign...

It’s very easy—you don’t even need a video camera!Get complete details including where to send your snaps here: http://tinyurl.com/4886ycd

...we'll add text based on info you share with us!

The deadline is March 15th so don't delay (we need some time to edit!). Regroup with other LeaderShape friends and have a photo shoot! We’d love to be bombarded with your photos and your creativity.

The video will open our Celebration in April and will be posted to YouTube for everyone to enjoy. Questions? Contact us at lead@leadershape.org.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

We are so happy to announce that Joe Cimino from St. John Fisher College is the winner of our first ever YouTube contest. We'll be showing the video at our 25th Anniversary Celebration in April. Want a peak at it? Take a look...

A huge thanks goes out to everyone who participated in our contest. We received many wonderful videos by people we are so proud to have as a part of the LeaderShape community. We were also overwhelmed by the response to the voting. Thanks to all who took the time to review the videos and voted for the one they found to be most compelling.

Do you have a story about LeaderShape to share but didn't submit a video? You can "Share Your Story" on our website.